Hazel Y. Beatrous

Hazel Y. Beatrous passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of grace and achievement.

Hazel spent most of her life in New Orleans, Louisiana and Sarasota, Florida where she led a rich creative life. In her younger days, she was an accomplished scuba diver and equestrian. In her 20s she achieved national recognition as the co-author, with Gene Laborde, of the book, “Tranquilizers for his Cup,” published by Doubleday in 1961. In her 50s she picked up a brush and took up oil painting, selling works in several Florida galleries. She loved world travel and was always curious about people and places.

Hazel’s deepest and most enduring devotion was to her family. She was a loving wife, mother of 5, grandmother of 9, and great grandmother of 5. Hazel is survived by her five children and their spouses Frank Beatrous (Joan), Lex Beatrous (Lola), Steve Beatrous (Donna), Carol Beatrous Schmitz (John), and Bee Beatrous Ward (Chris). Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank Beatrous Sr., and grandson, David Beatrous, and she is now happily reunited with them both.

Hazel combined her love of family, writing, and travel to dig into the genealogy of both sides of her family. Her research spanned 5 years and took her from rural Louisiana to Mississippi to North Carolina and to Utah. She left the family with multiple volumes of rich history and many boxes of original source materials from courthouses and attics around the country.

Hazel’s family and friends describe her as a brilliant confidant who brought out the best in everyone she met. Her sharp mind and keen insight made her sought after as an advisor by both young and old. The beloved family matriarch, Hazel, provided wise counsel to all — from the lovesick teen to the adult facing times of crisis. Hazel lives forever in the lessons she has passed on to her loved ones.

A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at 1pm on Friday, August 7 at Farley Funeral Home (265 S. Nokomis Dr. Venice, Fl). In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Hazel Beatrous’ name to either The Humane Society of Sarasota (2331 15th St, Sarasota, FL 34237) or to St. Jude’s Hospital (501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105).

A gathering with food and drink will follow the service at Farley Funeral Home.